Jane Fuller provided this report based on what was done on her computer to correct a problem with a kernel panic on her computer. While her report is accurate for her case, not all kernel panics can be addressed in this manner. Websites at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT200553and https://macpaw.com/how-to/fix-kernel-panic-on-macos are good study on kernel panics, caused by software and hardware. Remember Jane’s fix worked for her, but may not if your issue is not the same. Also, her backup was a Time Machine backup.

From Jane:

FIX for a MacBook Pro (or other mac?) showing the "kernel panic" screen

--which does not restart in response to the first suggestion which is,

Press the Power button while holding down the Shift key.

1 .Plug the device containing the backup data, in this case a Seagate, into the MacBook Pro.

2. Connect the laptop's power adapter to a working electrical outlet and to the MacBook Pro.